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Spitsbergen, Greenland & Iceland - M/v Polar Pioneer

Spitsbergen, Greenland and Iceland
This voyage combines the best of Spitsbergen and Greenland, with a taste of Iceland. Spitsbergen’s rugged northwest coast comprises mountains, tundra and fjords. While crossing the icy waters of the Greenland Sea, our onboard experts share their knowledge of the region’s plants, animals and history. Greenland’s remote east coast shows off the immensity of the icecap, fantastic icebergs and a fairytale landscape of granite spires rising 1000 m above exquisite fjords! The local Inuits welcome us and share their unique culture.

Tour Highlights

Witness the immense grandeur and wilderness of remote Northeast Greenland

Itinerary

1

Isafjordur

We board the Polar Pioneer in Isafjordur in the late afternoon, after arriving on our flight from Reykjavik.

Overnight: Comfortable Boat

Included Meals:
Dinner

2

Sail across the Denmark Strait

Sail across the Denmark Strait, enjoying the flying antics of northern fulmars and black-backed gulls, and spot dolphins, orcas and other whales in their feeding grounds.

Overnight: Comfortable Boat

Included Meals:
Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

3

Blosseville Coast

Sailing north along the Blosseville Coast, searching for musk ox and narwhals and marvel at the mountain scenery that dominates the skyline. If weather permits, we head for Rømer Fjord, a deep waterway with stunning mountain views.

10

Greenland Sea

Crossing the Greenland Sea, we sail through the Polar Basin's nutrient-rich waters, searching for fin and beluga whales, encroaching pack ice and seabirds. Our expert naturalists and guest lecturers entertain us with fascinating, illustrated talks on European Arctic plants and animals, and epic tales of such early explorers as Nansen, Andrée and Scoresby.

Overnight: Comfortable Boat

Included Meals:
Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

11

Greenland Sea

These are relaxed days, wonderful for getting to know fellow expeditioners and preparing for a landing, if conditions permit, in the world's largest national park - Greenland's northeast coast. The region is home to polar bear, walrus, Arctic hare and musk ox. Watch for ringed, bearded, harp and hooded seals from the Zodiacs.

13

Explore Spitsbergen

From our Zodiacs, gain fantastic views of ice cliffs, including Monacobreen, one of Spitsbergen's largest glaciers. In the north, there's a good chance of seeing walrus - and possibly even polar bears on the pack ice.

Overnight: Comfortable Boat

Included Meals:
Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

14

Longyearbyen

Arrive early morning in Longyearbyen and after breakfast, bid farewell to the Polar Pioneer.

Tour notes

Each departure date has it's own dedicated tour note, detailing all you need to know about that tour. Whether you've already booked, or weighing up your options, please choose carefully the relevant itinerary for you.

We have the following different versions of the Spitsbergen, Greenland & Iceland - M/V Polar Pioneer tour available at present.

Transport

Zodiac, Polar Pioneer

Accommodation

13 nights Comfortable Boat

Tour Staff

Expedition Crew, Naturalist(s)

Ship Description

Polar Pioneer is a Finnish ex-research vessel, refurbished to provide an adventurous journey in the polar regions; its ice class means it has excellent manoeuvrability. The vessel accommodates only 54 passengers, meaning more time with the experts and a friendly on-board experience. Informed crew and experts will ensure you learn about how a polar expedition runs, your unique surroundings and the wildlife; Zodiacs will take you to shore for close encounters.